Factors affecting the Pregnancy Rate of Intra-Uterine Inseminations in Unexplained Infertile Couples in Korea: Focusing on Treatment Type for Inducing Ovulation

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to identify factors influencing the pregnancy rate among unexplained infertile couples who received treatments of assisted reproductive technology (ART) and intra-uterine inseminations (IUI). Methods: The medical records of 24,201 cases of unexplained infertility among a total of 31,684 intrauterine insemination treatment cases, (which benefited by ‘National Medical-aid Program for ART in 2011’) were used for this analysis. Results: Woman’s age (OR=0.94), frequency of IUI (OR=0.86), and treatment type (OR=1.54) were significant factors on pregnancy rates in the logistic regression analysis. Conclusion: Factors, such as the age of the infertile woman, frequency of IUI, and treatment type used to induce ovulation were shown to positively influence pregnancy rate. However, the age of the spouse was not a significant variable. Infertile couples having unprotected sexual intercourse with unexplained infertility had priority. The results demonstrated that about 70% of infertile Korean couples had unexplained infertility. This was a higher rate of unexplained infertility than that of the clinical standard. Therefore, we should assess for causes through future studies. In addition, affective or emotional factors influencing unexplained infertility need to be researched further.